System and method for assessing a condition of property

ABSTRACT

A system and method for assessing a condition of property for insurance purposes includes a sensor for acquiring a spectral image. In a preferred embodiment, the spectral image is post-processed to generate at least one spectral radiance plot, the plot used as input to a radiative transfer computer model. The output of the model establishes a spectral signature for the property. Over a period of time, spectral signatures can be compared to generate a spectral difference, the difference attributed to a change in the condition of the property, such as a fire or flood. In response to the change, an insurance company initiates an insurance-related action such as processing a claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and method for assessingproperty conditions and, more particularly, to use remote sensing forassessing property conditions.

BACKGROUND ART

Within the insurance industry, a typical process for generating a claiminvolves first receiving notice from an insured that a loss hasoccurred. Next, an insurance representative conducts a personal visit tothe premises to assess the damage. Upon completion of the on-site visit,the insurance representative submits to the home office an assessmentregarding the monetary amount of the damage. Upon receipt of theassessment, the insurance company begins the claim process.

One drawback to the existing process is that insurance personnel may beunable to physically access the insured property. After a majorcatastrophe, such as a hurricane, flood, wild fire, or tornado, largeareas of a community may be cordoned off to all except emergencypersonnel. Further, even if an insurance representative was able toreach the property, there may be no electrical or phone service to relaythe results of the assessment. In some instances, local conditions maycreate a life-threatening situation for personnel attempting to assessthe condition of the property.

From a logistics perspective, further drawbacks exist. After alarge-scale disaster, insurance companies may be required to deployscores of representatives to remote locations with little or no advanceplanning. Such large-scale deployment places a heavy financial burden onthe insurance company and strains personnel resources.

Another drawback to the current process is that the insured may beforced to wait for long periods of time, perhaps months, to receivetheir claim payment from the insurance company. Such a situation isuntenable for many people who have lost their primary residence, andcreates great hardship.

In some insurance applications, sensors fixedly attached to an insuredproperty detect abnormal conditions such as the level of gaseoussubstances, level of water, or the presence of biological agents. Suchin-situ sensors may have some usefulness in the early detection ofhazardous conditions or minor perturbations in the status quo, but areuseless if a catastrophic event such as fire disables or destroys thesensor.

Therefore, there is a need for assessing property conditions that doesnot require on-site personnel or in-situ sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a system for assessing a conditionof a target property includes a data storage device for storing a firstand second spectral image and a threshold value. The system furtherincludes a server coupled to the data storage device, and a radiativetransfer computer model in communication with the server. The serverprocesses the spectral image, generates a spectral signature utilizingthe radiative transfer computer model, determines a spectral difference,and compares the spectral difference to the threshold value to determineif an insurance-related action should be initiated.

One embodiment of the system further includes a remote sensor incommunication with the server, wherein the sensor operates in at least anon-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one embodiment,the non-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is the infraredspectrum. The system may further include an image processor coupled tothe sensor for processing the spectral image and storing it on the datastorage device. The sensor is configured to acquire the first and secondspectral image at a first and second timestamp.

In another embodiment, a post processor converts the first and secondspectral image to first and second spectral radiance plot. The plots areused as input to the radiative transfer computer model.

The present invention further includes a method for assessing acondition of property for insurance purposes including the steps ofacquiring a first spectral image of the target property at a firsttimestamp and acquiring a second spectral image of the target propertyfrom a remote sensor at a second, later timestamp. In a preferredembodiment, the remote sensor operates in the infrared spectrum. Themethod further includes the steps of establishing a first spectralsignature from the first spectral image, establishing a second spectralsignature from the second spectral image, and comparing the firstspectral signature to the second spectral signature to establish aspectral difference. The spectral difference corresponds to a change inthe condition of the target property. The method further includes thesteps of determining if the spectral difference exceeds a thresholdvalue, and initiating an insurance-related action in response to thechange in the condition of the target property if the spectraldifference exceeds the threshold value.

The present invention further includes a method for assessing acondition of property for insurance purposes including the steps ofestablishing a first spectral signature from a public database,establishing a second spectral signature acquired from a remote sensorat a second, later time, and comparing the first spectral signature tothe second spectral signature to establish a spectral difference. Thefirst spectral signature and the second spectral signature comprise atleast one molecular constituent concentration. The spectral differencecorresponds to a change in the condition of the target property. Themethod further includes the step of initiating an insurance claim inresponse to the spectral difference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting a spectralimage to assess a condition of property in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a post-processing system for thespectral image of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a spectral radiance plot generatedby the post-processing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a graphic representation of a spectral signature at a singlealtitude generated by the post-processing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of two spectral signatures at aplurality of altitudes generated by the post-processing system shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method for assessing a condition ofproperty in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is another depiction of the spectral signature generated by thepost-processing system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method for assessing a condition ofproperty in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting the spectralimage of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting the spectralimage of FIG. 1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for assessing a condition of a targetproperty 16 includes a sensor 12 configured to obtain a first spectralimage 14 of irradiative effects on the target property 16. The sensor 12is located remotely from the target property 16 so as minimize thesensor's vulnerability to local conditions. In the embodiment shown, thesensor 12 is an infrared imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS)operating in the spectral range to 15.4×10⁻³ to 3.3×10⁻⁴ centimeters(cm). It will be appreciated that the sensor 12 may operate in aplurality of spectral ranges within the infrared spectrum (0.01 to7×10⁻⁵ cm). The sensor 12 is advantageously housed in a carrier vehicle18 to protect the delicate nature of its instrumentation. In theembodiment shown, the carrier vehicle 18 is a satellite in low-earthorbit. An example satellite/sensor system operative with the presentinvention is the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) sensor aboardthe Earth Observing System AURA satellite, launched Jul. 15, 2004.

In the disclosed embodiment, the sensor 12 acquires the first spectralimage 14 and transmits it to an image processor 20 for storage on a datastorage medium 22. The location of the data storage medium 22 is notcritical to the disclosed invention. For example, the data storagemedium 22 may be located on the carrier vehicle 18, or at a remotesignal processing facility 24 located on the ground, as shown in FIG. 1.

The quality of the first spectral image 14 is dependent on upon thetechnology employed in the sensor 12, but generally depends upon thespectral, radiometric, and spatial resolutions. Spectral resolutionrefers to the number of frequency bands recorded, including frequencybands within the visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and microwavespectrums. In the disclosed embodiment, the sensor 12 operates in asingle band of the infrared spectrum, but those skilled in the art willappreciate other exemplary sensors 12 operate in up to 31 bands within aspectrum.

Radiometric resolution refers to the number of different intensities ofradiation the sensor is able to distinguish. Typically, intensitiesrange from 8 bits (256 levels of gray scale) to 14 bits (16,384 shadesof color) depending on the particular need and storage capability of thedata storage medium 22. In the disclosed embodiment, a range of 14 bitsin each band is preferred.

Spatial resolution refers to the size of a pixel recorded in an image.Current technology allows spatial resolutions as fine as a 1-meter sidelength. For most applications in the present invention, a 3-meter sidelength is sufficient resolution. However, in some specializedapplications discussed below, a 1-meter side length is preferred.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first spectral image 14 stored on the datastorage medium 22 is post-processed by a post-processor 26 and convertedto a first spectral radiance plot 28. In the conversion process,information is added to the file such as time, date, the location of thetarget property 16, and the location of the carrier vehicle 18. Often,radiometric and frequency calibrations are made to correct for thegeolocation discrepancies. In another example system 10, thepost-processor 26 is the image processor 20, meaning the image processor20 additionally performs the conversion function. The first spectralradiance plot 28 is stored in a data storage device 30 as an input 34for a radiative transfer computer model 36.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 is in communication with aserver 35, and preferably executed on the server. As shown in FIG. 2,the server 35 uses the first spectral image 14 or the spectral radianceplot 28 as input 34 to the model 36. In one example system 10, theserver 35 converts the first spectral image 14 to the first spectralradiance plot, thereby eliminating the need for the post-processor 26.The model 36 generates an output 38 corresponding to a condition of thetarget property 16, thereby establishing a first spectral signature 42of the target property 16. The first spectral signature 42 may be storedin a historical database 45, which in some examples is the same databaseas the data storage device 30.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first spectral radiance plot 28 is shown ingreater detail. In the example shown, the radiance of molecularconstituents is shown as a function of wavenumber at a single altitude.In particular, the radiance of carbon is depicted, notated by itselement symbol (C). The first spectral radiance plot 28 serves as theinput 34 to the radiative transfer computer model 36, which in oneexample generates the output 38 corresponding to the concentration ofcarbon in the atmosphere at the given altitude.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the first spectral radiance plot 28 stored inthe data storage device 30 may be generated from the first spectralimage 14 acquired by the remote sensor 12. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, the first spectral radiance plot 28 is stored in apublic database 31 and transferred to the data storage device 30.Similar spectral radiance plots 28 may be accessed from public databasessuch as the high-resolution transmission molecular absorption database(HITRAN), or the Gestion et Etude des Informations SpectroscopiquesAtmosphériques spectroscopic data base (GEISA). In the disclosedexample, the first spectral radiance plot 28 from the public database 31serves as the input 34 to the radiative transfer computer model 36.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 solves the inverse problemcommon to remote sensing applications. An inverse problem refers to thedilemma encountered in attempting to determine a condition for which nodirect measurements can be made. The problem takes the form:data=function(parameter)

where data is a plurality of discrete measurements, the parameter is thecondition to be determined, and the function is a mathematicalrelationship between the data and the parameter. Initially, neither thefunction nor the parameter is known. Since the parameter is ultimatelywhat needs to be determined, the problem takes the form:parameter=function⁻¹(data)

or, as applied to the disclosed embodiment of the present invention:spectral signature=function⁻¹(spectral radiance plot)

The inverse function can be linear or, as in most cases, non-linear.Determination of the inverse function is difficult because the data isnon-continuous and inherently contains some degree of noise. Thesensitivity of the noise in relation to the parameter being determinedis unknown initially, and must be approximated.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 typically includes twocomponents: a series of forward models and one inverse model. Theforward models iteratively predict the inverse function based upon theplurality of discrete measurements. Using a nonlinear least squaresapproach, each forward model tests the discrete measurements (i.e.observed data) against the parameters predicted by the inverse function,then successively refines the inverse function to achieve a betterapproximation. When the forward model ultimately converges with theobserved data, the resulting inverse function is used in the radiativetransfer computer model 36 to output the first spectral signature 42.

Radiative transfer computer models 36 exist in the public domain toassist in establishing the first spectral signature 42. One modelcurrently available to the public is the line-by-line radiative transfermodel (LBLRTM) developed by Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.(www.aer.com). Other radiative transfer models currently available tothe public include the GENLN2, LINEPAK, and FIRE-ARMS. Alternatively,the radiative transfer computer model 36 may be custom built to suit theparticular needs of the end user.

Referring to FIG. 4, the output 38 of the radiative transfer computermodel 36 generates the first spectral signature 42 of the targetproperty 16 at a first timestamp 32. In the disclosed example, the firstspectral signature 42 comprises vertical concentration profiles ofspecific molecules or constituents, for example methane (CH₄), carbon(C), or water vapor (H₂O), at altitudes ranging from zero (surface) toapproximately 10,000 meters. As will be discussed below, other spectralsignatures 42 are possible.

In some instances, an insurance company may wish to utilize the firstspectral signature 42 to determine if an abnormal condition exists onthe target property 16. The first spectral signature 42 may serve as abaseline for future comparisons. Thus, the first spectral signature 42may be stored on the historical database 45 for future reference.

Referring to FIG. 5, an insurance company may assess the condition ofthe target property 16 at some other, later time. A second spectralsignature 46 is acquired at a second timestamp 48 later than the firsttimestamp 32 using the aforementioned remote sensing method. Theinsurance company may define a threshold value 51 above which anabnormal condition is deemed to exist on the target property 16. Thethreshold value 51 may be an absolute number, such as a level orconcentration of a molecular constituent. Alternatively, for example,the threshold value 51 may be a relative value, such as a percentageincrease in a molecular constituent over a baseline value.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first spectral signature 42 at the firsttimestamp 32 is exemplified as the concentration of carbon as a functionof altitude. The second spectral signature 46 at the second timestamp 48is similarly shown. Comparison between the first spectral signature 42and the second spectral signature 46 establishes a spectral difference50, shown in the shaded area of the graph. If the spectral difference 50exceeds the threshold value 51, an insurance-related action istriggered. The particular threshold value 51 varies based upon molecularconstituency, for example, as well as the requirements of the insurancecompany. However, the threshold values 51 may be determined and storedin the data storage device 30, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example shownin FIG. 5, the threshold value 51, denoted as (T), is shown as anabsolute value of 50,000 parts per million (ppm). As can be seen, thesecond spectral signature 46 exceeds the threshold value 51 in the loweratmosphere. Thus, an abnormal condition is deemed to exist at the targetproperty 16, and the insurance company will initiate aninsurance-related action. In the disclosed example, a high level ofcarbon, where previously the concentration was relatively small,indicates a change to the condition at the target property 16, namelyburning.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 100 for assessing a condition of propertyfor insurance purposes comprises a step 102 of acquiring the firstspectral image 14 at a first timestamp from the remote sensor 12operating in at least a non-visible portion of the electromagneticspectrum. The first spectral image 14 may be converted to the firstspectral radiance plot 28 at a step 104. The first spectral image 14and/or the first spectral radiance plot 28 are stored on the datastorage device 30 at a step 106 to be used as the input 34 for theradiative transfer computer model 36. At a step 108, the radiativetransfer computer model 36 processes the input 34 and at a step 110generates the first spectral signature 42 as the output 38. The firstspectral signature 42 corresponds to a condition of the target property16, such as the amount of carbon at ground level. At a step 112, thefirst spectral signature 42 may be stored in the historical database 45as a baseline for future reference.

The condition of the target property 16 may be assessed at the secondtimestamp 48 later than the first timestamp 32. In a step 114, a secondspectral image 43 is acquired in the same manner as the first spectralimage 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The second spectral image 43 may beconverted to a second spectral radiance plot 44 at a step 116. Thesecond spectral image 43 and/or the second spectral radiance plot 44 areused as input 34 for the radiative transfer computer model 36 which, inthe step 108, processes the input 34 to generate the second spectralsignature 46 as the output 38 in a step 120, as also shown in FIG. 2.

The spectral difference 50 is determined at a step 122 by accessing thefirst spectral signature 42 stored in the historical database 45 andcomparing it to the second spectral signature 46 generated at the step120. The spectral difference 50 represents a change to the condition ofthe target property 16. In some cases, the change may exceed thethreshold value 51 for the particular spectral signature being compared.For example, in a step 124, the spectral difference 50 is compared tothe threshold value 51. If the spectral difference 50 exceeds thethreshold value 51, the insurance company initiates an insurance-relatedaction at a step 126. In one example, the insurance-related action isinitiating a claim because the spectral difference indicates the targetproperty 16 has been lost to a fire.

In some examples, the spatial resolution of the sensor 12 may besufficiently fine to ascertain the degree of damage at the targetproperty 16. Referring to FIG. 7, a plot 54 includes a planform 56 ofthe target property 16 (e.g. a house) overlaid thereon. The secondspectral signature 46 is shown wherein the carbon level is plotted as afunction of the square area of the target property 16. Areas A through Dare indicative of decreasing levels of carbon, with level A being thehighest. A sensor 12 with a spatial resolution of approximately 1-meterside length would allow a determination of whether the entire targetproperty 16 was burning (or had burned), or if only a partial loss ofthe target property 16 had been sustained. The example shown in FIG. 7is representative of a partial loss. The determination of the damageaffects the amount of the insurance insurance-related action, namelyclaim settlement.

Referring to FIG. 8, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, amethod 200 for assessing a condition of property for insurance purposescomprises a step 210 wherein the first spectral signature 42 at thefirst timestamp 32 is acquired from the public database 31. The firstspectral image 14 and the first spectral radiance plot 28 may also beacquired from the public database 31 if needed. The first spectralsignature 42, and optionally the first spectral image 14 and firstspectral radiance plot 28, are stored on the historical database 45 forfuture use at a step 212. At the second, later timestamp 48, the method200 further comprises a step 214 wherein the second spectral image 43 isacquired from the remote sensor 12 operating in the electromagneticspectrum. The second spectral image 43 may be converted to the secondspectral radiance plot 44 at a step 216. The second spectral image 43and/or the second spectral radiance plot 44 are used as the input 34 forthe radiative transfer computer model 36 which, in a step 218, processesthe input 34 to generate the second spectral signature 46 as the output38 in a step 220. The first spectral signature 42 and the secondspectral signature 46 comprise at least one molecular constituentconcentration. In one example, the molecular constituent concentrationis the percentage of water vapor in the lower atmosphere.

The spectral difference 50 is determined at a step 222 by accessing thefirst spectral signature 42 stored in the public database 31 andcomparing it to the second spectral signature 46 generated at the step220. The spectral difference 50 represents a change to the condition ofthe target property 16. In some cases, the change may exceed thethreshold value 51 for the particular spectral signature being compared.For example, in a step 224 the spectral difference 50 is compared to thethreshold value 51. If the spectral difference 50 exceeds the thresholdvalue 51, the insurance company initiates an insurance-related action ata step 226. In one example, the insurance-related action is initiating aclaim because the spectral difference indicates the target property 16has been lost to a flood.

In operation, the sensor 12 preferably measures upwelling radiation,that is, the component of radiation (either reflected solar or emittedterrestrial) that is directed upward from the earth's surface. Theupwelling sensor 12, typically located high in the atmosphere, measuresradiation emitted from ground objects below, such as the target property16. Spectral signatures 42, 46 such as concentration of carbon at groundlevel are useful in determining changes in the condition of propertiesof structures. The upwelling sensor 12 may also measure radiationemitted from an atmospheric mixing layer 58 in the vicinity of thetarget property 16, as shown in FIG. 1. Typically, the mixing layer 58extends from ground level to approximately 10,000 thousand feetaltitude. Measurements in the mixing layer 58 of the atmosphere areuseful to ascertain differences from the normal molecular constituents.

The spectral images 14, 43 obtained by the sensor 12 may be across abroad spectrum of radiation frequencies, but other spectral signatures42, 46 are possible without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, in another example of the present invention, thevisible light spectrum (7×10⁻⁵ to 4×10⁻⁵ cm) may be utilized to obtainthe first spectral signature 42 on the target property 16. The sensor12, comprising high-resolution photographic or video imaging equipment,is employed to establish the first spectral signature 42 at the firsttimestamp 32, and the second spectral signature 46 at the second, latertimestamp 48. Comparison of the two spectral signatures yields thespectral difference 50, which is compared to the threshold value 51. Inthe disclosed example, the threshold value 51 corresponds to a visualthreshold in the condition of the target property 16.

The sensor 12 may be housed in the carrier vehicle 18 such as asatellite far above the target property 16 or, alternatively, the sensor12 may be housed in a carrier vehicle closer to the ground. Referring toFIG. 9, the sensor 12 is shown in a carrier vehicle 18A such as anairplane or remotely piloted vehicle. The sensor 12 may also be housedin a carrier vehicle 18B such as a weather balloon. Referring to FIG.10, the sensor 12 may be housed in a tall building 18C, or acommunications tower 18D. In the illustrated examples, the sensor 12 islocated remotely from the target property 16.

Other insurance-related actions, such as underwriting, are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention. In another feature ofthe present invention, the sensor 12 is positioned to capture the firstspectral image 14 of the target property 16. Typically, the targetproperty 16 is an insured interest, such as real property, dwellings,and personal property, such as motor vehicles. However, the targetproperty 16 may also comprise an uninsured interest which the insurancecompany is considering underwriting. In one example, the insurancecompany scans the target property 16 to ascertain any conditions thatmay be out of the ordinary, such as anthropogenic substances. The secondspectral signature 46 is established by the system 10 and/or methods100, 200 disclosed herein, and compared to the first spectral signature42 obtained from the public database 31. The spectral difference 50 mayreveal high levels of methane (CH₄), indicative of a possible druglaboratory. In response to the changes in the condition of the targetproperty 16, the insurance company may elect not to underwrite a policy.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the insurance-relatedaction is sharing the condition of the target property 16 with a thirdparty, such as the insured, a different insurance company, or agovernment agency. By disclosing the condition to a third party, theinsurance company may prevent further monetary loss or damage. Forexample, if the condition of the target property 16 indicates flooding,the insurance company may notify the property or local emergencypersonnel. Disclosure of the condition with government agencies, such asthe Federal Emergency Management Agency for example, could aid incoordinating allocation of equipment or supplies when FEMA personnel areunable to access the target property 16 directly.

In another feature of the present invention, the effects of infraredradiation on water vapor are utilized to determine flooding. Aspreviously stated, the constituent profile of the Earth's loweratmosphere is well known, including water vapor content, andpublicly-available databases serve as the first spectral signature 42.The insurance company obtains the second spectral signature 46 of thetarget property 16 at the second timestamp 48, and compares it to thefirst spectral signature 42. If the target property 16 is flooded,abnormally high levels of water vapor will be detected by the spectraldifference 50. Accordingly, the insurance company initiates theinsurance-related action, namely a claim, to cover the loss.

One advantage of the present system is that the condition of the targetproperty 16 can be ascertained without sending personnel directly to thelocation. This is particularly advantageous in the event of acatastrophic loss, such as that encountered after a hurricane or flood.Insurance personnel may not have direct access to the target property 16to assess its condition. In addition, local power interruptions andblackouts may prevent insurance personnel from transmitting any data toa home office for processing. Thus, the insurance-related action, suchas a claim, may be delayed weeks, or even months, until such time as thetarget property 16 can be accurately assessed. The present inventionallows insurance claims to be processed much quicker with less risk tothe insurance company and its personnel. Insurance personnel are notexposed to dangerous environments, and the insurance company canaccurately assess the condition of the target property 16.

Another advantage of the present system is that the sensor 12 is notsubjected to the conditions of the local environment. In the event of acatastrophic loss, in-situ sensors may be damaged or lost, and thereforeunable to transmit data. Sensor 12 located remotely from the targetproperty 16 will still function.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the insurance-relatedaction such as a claim may be initiated sooner than by the prior artprocess of sending personnel. In some instances, such as when the targetproperty 16 is in a remote location, an insurance claim could beprocessed before the property owner realized there was damage.

Another advantage of the present invention is that changes to thephysical condition of the target property 16 may be ascertained eventhough the changes are not visible to the naked eye, or able to berecorded by photographic means. For example, the target property 16 mayhave a high level of non-naturally occurring substances such aschlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The system 10 and methods 100, 200 disclosedherein allow the insurance company to conduct the insurance-relatedaction, for example a risk assessment, to determine if the targetproperty 16 would suit the portfolio of the insurance company. The riskassessment is conducted with no human exposure to the CFCs present onthe target property 16. Thus, the present invention is useful for riskavoidance or risk minimization.

Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to thedetailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and detail thereof may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the sensor 12 may acquire the spectral images 14, 43 in themicrowave spectrum (10 to 0.01 cm) or the ultraviolet spectrum (4×10⁻⁵to 10⁻⁷ cm). The spectral images 14, 43 gathered in this manner areprocessed in a similar manner as infrared imagery.

1. A method for assessing a condition of an insured property forinsurance purposes using a remote sensor, the method comprising thesteps of: identifying the insured property in a database comprising aplurality of insured properties; acquiring a first spectral image of theinsured property at a first timestamp; acquiring a second spectral imageof the insured property at a second timestamp later than the firsttimestamp, the remote sensor operating in at least a non-visible portionof the electromagnetic spectrum; generating a first spectral signaturefrom the first spectral image; generating a second spectral signaturefrom the second spectral image; storing at least the first spectralsignature in the database of insured properties; comparing the firstspectral signature to the second spectral signature to determine aspectral difference, the spectral difference corresponding to a changein the condition of the insured property; determining if the spectraldifference exceeds a threshold value corresponding to a predeterminedvertical concentration profile of a molecular constituent; andinitiating an insurance-related action related to a particular type ofinsured loss associated with a condition producing the predeterminedvertical concentration profile, if the spectral difference exceeds thethreshold value.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein thenon-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum includes theinfrared spectrum.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein thenon-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum includes theultraviolet spectrum.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein thenon-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum includes themicrowave spectrum.
 5. The method according to claim 1 furthercomprising the step of utilizing a radiative transfer computer model,the model processing an input comprising the second spectral image andgenerating an output comprising the second spectral signature, whereinthe processing includes a plurality of forward models and at least oneinverse model.
 6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the input ofthe radiative transfer computer model further comprises the firstspectral image and the output of the radiative transfer computer modelfurther comprises the first spectral signature.
 7. The method accordingto claim 6 further comprising a step of converting the first spectralimage to a first spectral radiance plot, the input to the radiativetransfer computer model comprising the first spectral radiance plot. 8.The method according to claim 7 further comprising a step of storing thefirst spectral radiance plot in a database.
 9. The method according toclaim 8 wherein the database is a public database.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 5 further comprising a step of converting the secondspectral image to a second spectral radiance plot, the input to theradiative transfer computer model comprising the second spectralradiance plot.
 11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step ofinitiating an insurance-related action comprises initiating a claim. 12.The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of initiating aninsurance-related action comprises underwriting.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the step of initiating an insurance-relatedaction comprises sharing the condition of the target property with athird party.
 14. A method for assessing a condition of an insuredproperty for insurance purposes, the method comprising the steps of:generating a first spectral signature, the first spectral signatureobtained from a public database, the database created at a firsttimestamp; generating a second spectral signature at a second timestamplater than the first timestamp, the second spectral signature acquiredfrom a remote sensor; accessing the first spectral signature from thepublic database and comparing the first spectral signature to the secondspectral signature to determine a spectral difference, the spectraldifference corresponding to a change in the condition of the insuredproperty; and initiating an insurance action in response to the spectraldifference, wherein the first spectral signature and the second spectralsignature indicate at least one molecular constituent concentration, andthe insurance action relates to a particular type of insured lossassociated with a condition producing a predetermined verticalconcentration profile of the molecular constituent.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 14 wherein the change in the condition of the targetproperty is fire damage.
 16. The method according to claim 15 whereinthe spectral difference indicates a partial loss by fire.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 14 wherein the condition of the target property isflood damage.
 18. A system for assessing a condition of an insuredproperty comprising: a data storage device configured to store a firstspectral image, a second spectral image, and one or more thresholdvalues associated with the insured property and with one or more typesof insured loss, including structural damage and/or chemicalcontamination; a server coupled to the data storage device to receivethe first spectral image, the second spectral image, and the thresholdvalue; and a radiative transfer computer model in communication with theserver, the radiative transfer computer model having a plurality offorward models and at least one inverse model; wherein the server isadapted to determine a first and second spectral signature utilizing theradiative transfer computer model, each spectral signature correspondingto a vertical concentration profile of a molecular constituentindicative of a condition likely to result in a type of insured loss,and to compare the first and second spectral signature for determining aspectral difference, and to compare the spectral difference to eachthreshold value to determine if an insurance-related action appropriateto the associated insured loss should be initiated.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 18, further comprising: a remote sensor coupled tothe server, the remote sensor configured to acquire the first and secondspectral image, the remote sensor operating in at least a non-visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the server being adapted toreceive the first and second spectral image for storage on the datastorage device.
 20. The system according to claim 18, furthercomprising: a data storage medium disposed between the remote sensor andthe server, the data storage medium for storing the first and secondspectral image; and an image processor disposed between the remotesensor and the data storage medium for receiving the first and secondspectral image and storing the first and second spectral image on thedata storage medium.
 21. The system according to claim 20, wherein thedata storage medium is a public database.
 22. The system according toclaim 18, wherein the first and second spectral image are converted to afirst and second spectral radiance plot, the server further adapted toreceive the first and second spectral radiance plot and utilize theradiative transfer model for determining the first and second spectralsignature.
 23. The system according to claim 22 wherein the server isfurther adapted to store the first and second spectral radiance plot onthe data storage device.
 24. The system according to claim 19, whereinthe non-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is the infraredspectrum.
 25. The system according to claim 19, wherein the non-visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum is the ultraviolet spectrum. 26.The system according to claim 19, wherein the non-visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum is the microwave spectrum.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the type of insured loss is at least oneof structural damage, chemical contamination, or presence of abiological agent.
 28. The method according to claim 14, wherein thecondition is at least one of chemical production or presence of abiological agent.
 29. The system according to claim 18, wherein thecondition is at least one of fire, flood, chemical emission, or presenceof a biological agent.